patriarchal

adjective

pa·​tri·​ar·​chal ˌpā-trē-ˈär-kəl How to pronounce patriarchal (audio)
Synonyms of patriarchalnext
: of, relating to, or being a patriarch or patriarchy
a patriarchal culture
a patriarchal religion

Examples of patriarchal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Tsarist Russia’s Feminist Intelligentsia Matthew Wills December 11, 2019 In the context of Russia's patriarchal autocracy, its intelligentsia was surprisingly feminist, as Vera Podorovskaya's life illustrates. — The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 3 Mar. 2025 In the remote village of Kök-Tash, Kyrgyzstan, where conservative norms confine women to domestic duties, an activist organizes a women’s football tournament to challenge these patriarchal traditions. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2025 Known for unmercifully calling out machismo through her music, Paquita became a guiding light for many women who have been wronged or slighted by their partners, or a patriarchal world. — Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025 His name was associated with virtue, honesty, strength, courage and patriarchal leadership. — Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for patriarchal

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of patriarchal was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing patriarchal

Rhymes for patriarchal

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patriarchal
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Cite this Entry

“Patriarchal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patriarchal. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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